Rebecca White

Teaching Philosophy

My central focus in all of my history courses is to introduce students to a social history of ordinary people in US History, to examine critical turning points from multiple points of view, and to think about the ongoing consequences of events into the present day. I also actively train students in the historical method, which involves using our present interests and concerns to shape personally resonant historical inquiry. Rather than simply recite facts, I emphasize the interpretive nature of historical writing, and encourage them to carefully examine all source materials and develop their own evidence-based conclusions.

In addition to teaching, I am actively involved in UMA campus life in multiple ways that my teaching, research, and social justice interests. These include being Co-Chair of both the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and WICCD (Women Invigorating Curriculum and Cultivating Diversity) faculty committees and serving as faculty co-advisor for the Student DEI Action Club.